DRUGS

In 2014 ACT (of the Centre Right Political Parties) was the only party supporting decriminalization of Marijuana. (see here)

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New Zealanders as a population have some of the higher drug-use rates in the developed world (see here)

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Young people in New Zealand are also consumers of drugs, in spite of access being restricted due to their age, or the drugs legality. (see here)

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Cannabis remains the most popular illicit drug with 14.6%3 of adults reporting past year use (2007). (see here)

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Commentary on Drugs in NZ

Source: NZ Drug foundation

New Zealanders as a population have some of the higher drug-use rates in the developed world, evidenced in the 2007/2008 New Zealand Alcohol and Drug Use Survey, which reports that one in six (16.6%) New Zealanders aged 16–64 years had used drugs recreationally in the past year.

This drug use includes 84%1 of the adult population (16-64) consuming alcohol at least twice a week, and 21%2 describing themselves as smokers. In regards to illicit drug use, cannabis remains the most popular illicit drug with 14.6%3 of adults reporting past year use in 2007. Far fewer adults use other illicit drugs – methamphetamine use sat at around 2%4 in 2009, and ecstasy use at around 2.6%3 in 2007.

Young people in New Zealand are also consumers of drugs, in spite of access being restricted due to their age, or the drugs legality. 32%1 of people aged under 18 report drinking alcohol on more than three occasions in the past month, 18%5 describe themselves as current smokers and 24.8%3 (of 16-17 year olds) report using cannabis in the last year. Less common, but highly dangerous drug use in young people includes volatile substance abuse (or huffing), responsible for the death of 25 people aged under 17 in the last ten years6. It also includes the use of the new ‘legal highs’ – party pills and synthetic cannabis which are causing young people to present to emergency departments and treatment clinics with severe unwanted effects.

View these Centre Right NZ Political Party Policies and voting position on DRUGS.

Note: Policies subject to change. Please check the Policy Links for the latest Policy if available. These are the voting positions of party leaders for the 2014 General Election as reported to Family First who asked the questions below. Please refer to the linked website ‘Value Your Vote 2014‘ for more information and updates.

The Drug Foundation firmly believes that knowledge and education about drugs are of utmost importance in reducing the risks to the individual and the community.

Drug, and their use, impact on many of us and the people we care about. Like most social problems drug use is not a simple issue. The New Zealand Drug Foundation believes that access to accurate, clear information is essential if drug problems are to be reduced in the community. This website aims to provide comprehensive information in an easy-to-read style.

The menu on the left provides a wealth of information about common drugs in New Zealand.

Note: The below image is a recent screen grab and may not be up to date. Click on the image to see the latest info.